Dongfang Meiren Gaoshan from Xinzhu (High Mountain Oolong Tea "Oriental Beauty")

Dongfang Meiren Gaoshan: High Mountain Taiwanese Oolong Tea from Hsinchu

Dongfang Meiren (东方美人, Dongfang Meiren), or "Oriental Beauty," is a legendary Taiwanese oolong tea known for its unique honey-fruity profile and unusual origin story. This tea is a high-mountain (高山, Gaoshan) version from Hsinchu County (新竹, Xīnzhú), available in loose leaf form.

Origin: Hsinchu, Taiwan – Home of the Oriental Beauty

Hsinchu County in Taiwan is the historical heart of "Oriental Beauty" production. The addition of "Gaoshan" indicates that the tea plantations are located at high altitudes (usually over 1,000 meters above sea level), which often contributes to the tea's more vibrant aroma and pure, smooth flavor. This tea is made from the Da Bai Cha (大白茶, Dà báichá) tea bush variety, which traces its lineage back to bushes brought from Northern Fujian in the 19th century.

Dongfang Meiren Style: Heritage and Classical Features

Classic "Oriental Beauty" is a tea that stands apart in the world of oolongs:

• High oxidation level: Reaches 70-80%, which is the maximum for oolongs and brings it closer in appearance and some characteristics to red teas, although technologically it remains a dark oolong.
• Cicadas: The most striking aspect of traditional Dongfang Meiren is its symbiosis with small green leafhoppers (Jacobiasca formosana). In summer, these insects feed on the sap of the tea leaves. In response, the plant activates defense mechanisms, producing special substances (polyphenols, tannins) and initiating the fermentation process while still on the plant. It is this interaction that gives classic Dongfang Meiren its unique fruity aroma and sweetness. The presence of cicadas also guarantees organic farming, as they do not survive on plantations treated with pesticides. Traditionally, slightly yellowed leaves and a large number of buds are used for production.

Taste and aroma: powerful fruity ensemble

• Aroma and flavor: balanced, sweet and sour, buttery, and deep. Unusual, fragrant hints of sparkling white wine find perfect harmony with the charismatic honey-spicy composition. The taste of this tea can be compared to multi-fruit juice, fruit candies, or sparkling champagne. It is under the name "Champagne Tea" that Eastern Beauty is most famous.
• Finish: Long, sweet, honeyed and fruity with floral and lightly spicy undertones, leaving a clean and pleasant impression. The long-lasting mango notes are particularly prominent.

Effect: meditation and mood

In addition to its stunning aroma and taste, tea leaves a meditative state, lulls and improves mood, and has a harmonizing and pleasant effect.

Brewing recommendations

• Tableware: Porcelain gaiwan (120 ml).
• Amount of tea: 7 grams.
• Water: High quality. The recommended temperature for dark oolongs is around 90-95°C.
• Method: Infusions to assess flavour development.

Dongfang Meiren Gaoshan from Hsinchu is an intriguing variation of "Oriental Beauty." Grown at high altitude and processed in the style of the famous oolong, it has an incredibly rich, fruity flavor, reminiscent of multi-fruit juice, with a lingering mango finish and a pleasant meditative effect. This tea is a true discovery for Taiwanese oolong connoisseurs seeking a vibrant and profound taste experience. Be sure to try it!